comment

A local school district has sparked a heated debate after banning parents from having lunch with some of its youngest students.

Poll

Do you think parents should be permitted to join elementary school students in the lunchroom?

Absolutely
Absolutely not
Not sure

Subscribe to the results of this poll
We'll send you an email when the poll is complete.

Get Daily Voice in your inbox as well

Current Results

Do you think parents should be permitted to join elementary school students in the lunchroom?

Absolutely

20%

Absolutely not

73%

Not sure

8%

The Darien School District has made national news following an announcement proclaiming that parents and guardians are no longer permitted to visit their students at elementary school cafeterias for lunch. The practice had become popular for some parents, who would make their way on and off campus at lunchtime.

Since the announcement was made by interim Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon, it has garnered much debate on both sides of the issue, with some parents angry over the new policy while others said it was time to end the practice.

In a letter sent to Darien elementary school parents, Landon said that it was important to end the practice “for educational reasons.” The new policy will take effect in each of the district’s elementary schools.

“We believe that schools exist for children, and we work to develop the skills necessary for students to grow into engaged members of society,” Darien Board of Education Chair Tara Ochman stated. “We work every day on this mission so that our students embrace their next steps confidently and respectfully.”